Premier League Players Dive Into Fantasy Football Fun
You might be surprised to learn that Premier League footballers are actually allowed to play Fantasy Premier League, or FPL as it’s commonly called. The game, which is enjoyed by over 10 million fans around the world, lets participants pick squads of 15 players and earn points based on real-life performances. The Premier League itself doesn’t ban its players or staff from joining in the fun, though individual clubs can set their own rules. For instance, Arsenal, Bournemouth, and West Ham openly allow their players and staff to participate. Fulham’s staff can also play, but they’re advised to avoid selecting their own teammates.
Some well-known players have been spotted enjoying the game in previous seasons. Newcastle stars like Aaron Ramsdale, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Fabian Schar, and Kieran Trippier have all been known to manage their own FPL teams. Liverpool’s right-back Conor Bradley also played in the 2024-25 season. So yes, some of the stars we watch on matchdays are secretly competing against each other online for fantasy glory.
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Of course, playing FPL hasn’t been without controversy. Back in the 2020-21 season, an Aston Villa fan from Norway uncovered inside information about Jack Grealish’s injury by tracking FPL accounts linked to Villa staff. This leak gave the fan an unfair advantage and led to Villa losing a game against Leicester City. An internal investigation was launched, and the incident was described by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as “unprofessional and unethical.” Clearly, while FPL is meant for fun, leaks of confidential team information can stir real problems.
As the Premier League season kicks off this Friday, fantasy football is back alongside it. BBC Sport has its own FPL league where fans can join using the code “bbcfpl.” Experts from the FPL Podcast, including Alistair Bruce-Ball, Statman Dave, and Chris Sutton, will be competing, giving fans a chance to see if they can beat the pundits at their own game.
So, while the players take to the pitch each weekend chasing real glory, off the field they might be quietly plotting their fantasy victories. The thrill of watching your favorite footballers manage virtual teams adds another layer of excitement to the season. And with clubs like Arsenal finally getting the big No. 9 they’ve craved, and title races shaping up between Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea, there’s plenty to track—both in real matches and fantasy leagues.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, it’s fascinating to know that the Premier League stars you cheer for are just as likely to be managing their fantasy lineups as you are. It makes the game feel even more connected, blurring the line between player and fan in the most entertaining way possible.
Would you like me to create a slightly punchier version that sounds like a live sports commentary?
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